TPMS Quick Tip: Diagnostic and Replacement Tips

TPMS Diagnostic Tips

The most significant leap forward has been the evolution of the dedicated TPMS tool.

Though many drivers (and even some technicians) may not realize how far it has come, the market for tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors and tools has evolved.

A decade ago, many drivers and technicians didn’t understand the significant safety and fuel economy benefits of TPMS. In 10 years, more drivers have become aware of the system’s benefits. Programmable replacement TPMS sensors have lowered prices for consumers, and improved coverage has made it possible for shops to stock an inventory of TPMS sensors.

But the most significant leap forward has been the evolution of the dedicated TPMS tool. Ten years ago, all a TPMS tool could do was ping sensors and read the transmitted data as part of a relearn procedure. It was not until TPMS tools were able to communicate with the vehicle through the OBDII port that new diagnostic and service opportunities opened up for shops.

The latest TPMS tools are part diagnostic scan tool and part low-power radio wave diagnostic tool. The new machines can diagnose sensors on the vehicle as well as program new sensors. They can even be used to diagnose keyless entry fobs to see if they are transmitting — a critical function in today’s automotive and light truck platforms.

New dedicated TPMS tools can confirm the operation of the sensors and system without having to go for a test drive. Specific test procedures are engineered by the tool’s manufacturer that can force a relearn procedure, so when the car leaves your shop, you will know the TPMS light is out and will stay out.

The most important thing to remember is to trust and learn what your TPMS tool can do. The latest tools can perform procedures that can make replacing sensors and diagnostics easier and some even have training built into the device.

Sensor Replacement Strategies

Using new TPMS tools, you can have several options to replace and reprogram a sensor.

If the old sensor is still transmitting, you can pull the ID using your TPMS tool and create a new sensor.

If the sensor is no longer transmitting due to damage or the failure of its internal battery, the ID will still be in the memory of the module that operates the TPMS system. Some TPMS tools can communicate through the OBDII port and find the ID number for the dead sensor. This ID can then be programmed into a replacement sensor.

Printed on the side of the original TPMS sensor is an ID number. With some TPMS tools, the ID number can be read off the sensor and programmed into a replacement sensor.

In some cases, it might be easier to generate a new sensor ID. Some TPMS tools can create a random ID that can be programmed into a TPMS sensor and the TPMS module.

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What if there was a shop upgrade that could be done quickly and easily that would save money and allow your tools and equipment to operate more efficiently? If that gets your attention, it’s time to think about upgrading your shop’s air piping system.This is one of my favorite topics because most shop piping systems are as old as the shop itself, and if it was the electrical system in a car, we’d have dim bulbs all over the place. What is it we avoid in electricity? Higher than normal resistance. What does old steel pipe offer to the air flow in your shop? You guessed it, resistance and turbulence in the airflow. Think about the built-up corrosion after all these years.Think about how it affects the operation of your air tools and equipment. Static is the air pressure available when nothing is running. Put a gauge on the line at the farthest point from your compressor and it always looks good. But operate an air tool or equipment while looking at that same gauge, and you might be surprised at how far it drops. That’s your dynamic pressure. You’ll likely find it’s way below the recommended pressure for your tools and equipment. You can no longer blame the tools. Your air piping is costing you efficiency, time and money.The better an air tool works, the quicker it gets the job done. That means less time listening to an impact hammering away because it’s not producing the power it should. It’s just draining the air tank. That means less time listening to the compressor wailing its electricity-using song.Do you have a loop in your air system? Most old systems don’t. A loop will equalize the pressure at all drops and increase the volume of air flow. Picture a new feed with no unwanted fittings or angles and drops exactly where you want them. Think about the clean, modern look it will give to your shop. Picture shut-off valves everywhere you want them. Think about no more leaks and increased performance from your tools and equipment, i.e. a stronger bottom line.It gets better. What if it was easy to install with no soldering, threading or gluing? I’m talking push to connect. What if all fittings could be easily disconnected and reused, or if everything was corrosion resistant and future add-ons were as simple as swapping fittings. Don’t have time to figure it out? Think about a predesigned kit. They’re available.It’s easy to think that technology makes things more difficult. In our world, vehicles seem to get more complicated all the time. We’ve got to learn new systems, update our scan tools, get new certifications; it’s never ending.Finally, technology is doing things for us to make our jobs easier and our shops better, and it’s not difficult to do. Improving your shop airflow is only a benefit, unless you like to spend more time, work harder and make less money. That’s up to you. But for now, think about upgrading your air. It’s easier than you think. TS

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